Child Resiliency Programme Expands Training and Support for At Risk Children

Students in the CRP perform a drumming piece

The Child Resiliency Programme (CRP) has strengthened its national impact through expanded university‑level training and continued psychosocial support for children identified as being at risk during the January–March 2026 term.

Dr Kim Scott, Director of CRP said that the programme expanded its objectives to include formal training in Peace, Resiliency and Wellness (PRW) for university students and frontline child‑care practitioners, while maintaining its core focus on community‑based interventions for vulnerable children and families.

“This expansion reflects our mission to build resilience at every level of society,” Dr Scott said. “By equipping students, educators and caregivers with trauma‑informed tools, we are strengthening the systems that support children’s wellbeing.”

During the term, 31 undergraduate students at the International University of the Caribbean (IUC) successfully completed the PRW course. Additionally, 35 teachers and guidance counsellors from Holy Family Primary School and Mountain View Primary School completed a one‑day PRW follow‑up certificate workshop on February 19, supported by Project STAR and the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).

The CRP also continued its direct services to children identified as being at risk. A total of 115 children were supported across Boys Town, Mountain View Primary and Infant School, and Holy Family Primary School, with referrals from several inner‑city primary schools.

Interventions included literacy support, life‑skills and spiritual development training, creative arts such as dance and drumming, organised sports, family counselling and daily nutritional meals.

“Our approach is holistic,” Dr Scott noted. “Child resilience is built not only through academic support, but also through emotional wellbeing, creative expression, family engagement and positive reinforcement.”

The term concluded with sports days, behaviour awards and educational field trips, celebrating positive behaviour and participation.

Dr Scott said CRP remains committed to creating safe, supportive environments where children and families can heal, grow and thrive.